Lab Members
Professor
Blanche Bender Professorship in Cancer Research
UT MD Anderson Distinguished Educator
Deputy Department Chair
SArur@MDAnderson.org
Research Staff
Shin Yu Chen, M.S.
Research Investigator
Brings a proteomics-driven lens to biology, combining molecular precision with cell-based systems to uncover how protein networks shape cellular behavior.
SChen3@MDAnderson.org
Amelia Li, B.S.
Research Assistant I
Drives genome engineering in the lab, pairing CRISPR¨CCas9 expertise and helps keep the C. elegans cultures growing!
HALi6@MDAnderson.org
Kenneth Trimmer, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Explores the biology of germ cells, with a focus on the fundamental mechanisms that govern development, identity, and reproductive function.
KATrimmer@MDAnderson.org
Postdoctoral Fellows
Han Bit Baek, Ph.D.
T32 (TPEHS) Postdoctoral Fellow
"Intersection of Maternal Nutrition and Female Germ Cell Development"
HBaek@MDAnderson.org
Rares Drula, Ph.D.
UT MD Anderson Odyssey Postdoctoral Fellow
"Lineage Plasticity, Phosphorylated Dicer and Cancer Progression"
RCDrula@MDAnderson.org
Xingxing Yan, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
"Drosha, Female MicroRNAs and Oocyte to Embryo Transition"
XYan5@MDAnderson.org
Alumni
Tokiko Furuta, B.S.
2013¨C2025: Senior Research Coordinator
Current Position: Senior Research Assistant, Mouse Genetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Nick Newkirk, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2020¨C2025
Debabrata Das, Ph.D.
2023¨C2025: Instructor
2017¨C2023: Odyssey Postdoctoral Fellow
Current Position: Assistant Professor (tenure track), Biology, William & Mary College
Melany Puente
PCCSM Postbac: 2023¨C2025
Current position: Ph.D. student in Genetics and Genomics Program at Baylor College of Medicine
Shuo Chueh (Janet) Cheng, M.Sc.
Master's Student, 2022¨C2024
School of Health Professions, Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics Program
Raisa A. Reyes Castro, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2019¨C2023
Current position: Medical School University of Puerto Rico
Jacob Ortega, Ph.D.
Graduate Student 2018¨C2024
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Josh Mendell, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Jacob Seemann
Research Assistant II, 2017¨C2023
Current position: Medical School Student, School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio
Chia-Wen (Charlotte) Lee, M.S.
Research Assistant I: 2016¨C2020
Current position: Medical Technologist, Taiwan
Amanda Minogue, Ph.D.
Graduate Student: 2016¨C2020
Current position: Proposal Development Coordinator, University of Washington
Jessica (Jie) Chen
Research Assistant: 2013¨C2015
Current position: Assistant Professor, Drexel University
Andrew Lopez
Research Assistant: 2012¨C2014
Current position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Houston
Hyoe-Jin Joo, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Associate: 2011¨C2016
Current position: Teaching Faculty, Lone Star Community College
Melanie Drake, B.S.
Research Assistant: 2011¨C2014
Current position: TEM Faculty, Fort Bend Middle School